New Year - Know you?

At this time of year, it’s common to see posts proclaiming, “New Year, New You.” While the notion of a complete transformation may sound enticing, it may be important to reflect on what parts of yourself you looking to move away from and why?

Perhaps it’s worth pausing to ask—what, if anything, is truly wrong with the current you? Rather than embarking on the monumental task of reinventing yourself entirely, perhaps this season offers an opportunity for reflection, growth, and self-acceptance. After all, it’s not about discarding who you are but about embracing your journey and evolving and growing in meaningful ways.

As we close the chapter on another year and welcome 2025 it's the perfect time to reflect, reset, and rejoice.

Maybe the past year has been a journey filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable moments. Whether it was about overcoming obstacles, achieving goals, or simply savoring the little joys, every experience has shaped you into who you are today. Maybe you have felt stuck, trapped, stagnated, feeling uninspired by life and the opportunities and possibilities that could lie ahead. A new year brings new opportunities to reflect, to dream, to plan, and to act. It’s a chance to set intentions, embrace change, and focus on what truly matters—be it personal growth, nurturing relationships, or chasing those big ambitions.

Where to start?

As the new year unfolds, many of us feel inspired to set resolutions. However, studies show that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February.

Why does this happen?

Are our resolutions simply too ambitious? Do we set ourselves up for disappointment with unrealistic expectations and then berate ourselves for falling short? Most importantly, do we truly believe in our intentions, our goals, and our purpose?

What Do You Want?

Take a moment to reflect. What do you truly want from life? Prosperity, a romantic partner, more enriched relationships, a new job, a break, some space for your mental health, sime help and support, more adventure or joy?

The Power of Belief

Our beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world shape our reality. What do you believe and where do your beliefs originate from?

Do you trust that anything is possible, and that most people have good intentions? Or do you hold the belief that success and abundance are reserved for a select few, and that the world is fundamentally selfish? Your beliefs influence your thoughts, and your thoughts create your life. By changing your thoughts, you can transform not only your world but also the lives of those around you.

Take a moment to reflect on your beliefs:

• What do you believe about yourself?

• Where do these beliefs come from?

• Are they true?

• Are they positive and helpful?

A story about belief

Breaking Barriers: The 4-Minute Mile

For 68 years, runners failed to break the 4-minute mile, and experts deemed it physically impossible. It wasn’t just a physical challenge—it became a psychological barrier. Then, in 1954, Roger Bannister broke that barrier, running a mile in 3 minutes and 59.4 seconds. How did he do it? Quite simply, he believed he could. Bannister’s unshakable belief inspired others. Within 46 days, John Landy ran the mile even faster. A year later, three more runners achieved the same feat. Today, over 1,400 athletes have broken the 4-minute mile. - What changed? Their belief.

A Fresh Start

The start of the year is an invitation to set intentions and align with your dreams. It doesn’t have to be a long list of resolutions. Start with one meaningful intention, idea goal or hope for yourself, and most importantly, start now.

Pema Chodron’s words remind us:

“Start now. Start where you are. Start with pain. Start with doubt. Start with hands shaking. Start with voice trembling. But start. Start and don’t stop. Start where you are, with what you have. Just start.”

This is your year to grow, to thrive, and to achieve. Together we can celebrate the wins, big and small. Perhaps therapy will offer you the space and support to explore your beliefs, wants, needs and desires, truly investing in your growth, your relationship with yourself and others.

#HappyNewYear #NewBeginnings #Gratitude #therapy #psychotherapy